Every castle has its ghost, and Dal Verme Castle is no different. Located in the charming village of Zavattarello, this ancient manor is the scene of a fascinating and mysterious legend. Let us explore together the history of the Dal Verme Castle and its famous ghost.
The castle takes its name from the Dal Verme family, who owned and ruled it for centuries. Since 1975 it has become the property of the municipality of Zavattarello, which has transformed it into a cultural centre, hosting events, exhibitions and mystery tours that attract visitors from all over Italy. Within its walls, it is said, the restless spirit of Pietro Dal Verme still roams.
Pietro Dal Verme and His Tragic Destiny
Pietro Dal Verme, lord of the castle in the 15th century, was a prominent figure in local history. Destined to marry Chiara Sforza for political reasons, Pietro was instead in love with Cecilia del Maino. After many vicissitudes and an arrest for refusing an arranged marriage, he finally obtained permission to marry Cecilia. However, his joy was short-lived: Cecilia died prematurely in 1479.
Widowed and disconsolate, Pietro finally agreed to marry Chiara Sforza, uniting his fate with that of Milan. Chiara, however, never forgave him for being a second-best choice. Incited by her uncle Ludovico il Moro, she poisoned Pietro at a breakfast, ending his life.
The Ghost of Pietro Dal Verme
Stories of Pietro‘s ghost began to circulate as early as the 19th century, centred on the ‘Spirit Room‘, where the late lord‘s presence was felt most acutely. In the 1990s, a chair placed in this room for visitors was removed after workers found it in a different position every morning.
A worker, engaged in restoration work in the 1990s, recounted seeing a beam of light entering through a window and catching a glimpse of Pietro Dal Verme‘s half-bust in the beam. This was just one of many unexplained events that continue to occur. Visitors report hearing Pietro‘s voice, hearing strange noises and seeing footprints of dust on the castle‘s interior stairs.
Visiting Dal Verme Castle
Today, the Dal Verme Castle is a popular tourist destination. Mystery tours, in particular, allow visitors to explore the ancient rooms and hear the fascinating stories linked to the legend of Pietro Dal Verme. The evocative atmosphere of the castle, combined with the ghost stories, offers a unique experience that continues to attract and enchant.
